Arthur Sullivan quotes

Arthur Sullivan was an English composer best known for his collaborations with librettist W.S. Gilbert on a series of popular comic operas. These works, including "The Pirates of Penzance" and "The Mikado," became enduring classics of musical theatre. He remains celebrated for his melodic inventiveness and contribution to the development of English light opera. Here are 8 of his quotes:

After all we [have] each of us only eight notes to work upon.

Arthur Sullivan

I am astonished and somewhat terrified at the results of this evening's experiments – astonished at the wonderful power you have developed, and terrified at the thought that so much hideous and bad music may be put on record forever! ...I think it is the most wonderful thing that I have ever experienced, and I congratulate you with all my heart on this wonderful discovery.

Arthur Sullivan

One day work is hard, and another day it is easy; but if I had waited for inspiration I am afraid I should have done nothing. The miner does not sit at the top of the shaft waiting for the coal to come bubbling up to the surface. One must go deep down, and work out every vein carefully.

Arthur Sullivan

We shall never know of the numbers of "mute and inglorious Miltons" who failed because the place and time were not ready for them...Was not Sullivan a jewel in the wrong setting?

Arthur Sullivan

Goss and Bennett...trained him to make Europe yawn; and he took advantage of their training to make London and New York laugh and whistle.

Arthur Sullivan

I am terrified at the thought that so much hideous and bad music will be put on records forever.

Arthur Sullivan

For myself, I can only say that I am astonished and somewhat terrified at the results of this evening's experiments. Astonished at the wonderful power you have developed, and terrified at the thought that so much hideous and bad music may be put on record forever.

Arthur Sullivan